Evaluation of Comparative efficacy of Kushmanda Granules Versus Yastimadhu Granules on Medha in malnourished children of school going age A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

newline ABSTRACT newlineBackground: newlineCognitive development and nutritional well-being are critical aspects of child health, especially in malnourished populations. Kushmanda (Benincasa hispida) and Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) are two classical Medhya Rasayanas traditionally used in Ayurveda for enhancing cognitive functions and supporting general health. newlineObjective: newlineTo evaluate and compare the efficacy of Kushmanda granules and Yastimadhu granules on Medha (intellect) and nutritional status in malnourished school-going children. newlineMethods: newlineA randomized controlled trial was conducted among 140 malnourished children aged 10 12 years, all diagnosed with Grade I malnutrition (as per IAP classification) and having an IQ score ranging from 70 to 89. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: Group A received Kushmanda granules, and Group B received Yastimadhu granules, for a period of 3 months. Wechsler s Intelligence scale. (Malin s Intelligence Scale for Indian Children) was adopted to assess the IQ of children, while anthropometric parameters were recorded to evaluate nutritional status. newlineResults: newlineBoth groups showed statistically significant improvements in all domains of Medha and IQ (p = 0.001), with no significant difference between them (p gt 0.05), indicating comparable cognitive benefits. However, Kushmanda granules demonstrated significantly superior outcomes in improving nutritional status particularly weight and BMI compared to Yastimadhu. Conclusion: newlineKushmanda granules are as effective as Yastimadhu granules in enhancing cognitive functions in malnourished children. Additionally, Kushmanda offers the added advantage of better improving the nutritional status, making it a potentially more comprehensive therapeutic option in the management of malnourished children with borderline intellect. newlineKey words: Kushmanda, Yastimadhu, Medha, IQ, Malnutrition, and Ayurveda.